DLH calls for better Mepa environmental protection

Din l-Art Helwa has insisted that environmental protection should be given far more weight in development planning than it has been given to date.

In a statement in reaction to the publication of the Mepa Reform Bill, the environmental NGO said it agreed with the decision for development planning and environmental protection to be regulated under one authority.

"However it is vital that environmental protection is given far more weight in development planning than it has been given to date."

Din l-Art Helwa has repeatedly stated that, however many rules and regulations are in place, it is only good governance and accountability at board level that will ensure better results. The recent Ta' Baldu report gives yet another grave example of a site which was assigned the highest level of protection by Mepa, and yet the board still chose to ignore all advice and forge ahead with the granting of permits. The current reform would still not safeguard against similar bad decisions, if the new Mepa boards do not prioritise the urgent need to protect our damaged environment."

Din l-Art Helwa noted that the proposed reform includes 'positive' measures towards streamlining more efficient decision-making and reducing potential conflicts of interest at board level.

"Din l-Art Helwa favours the creation of an enforcement directorate, as enforcement has long been a weakness at Mepa. Another encouraging step is the curtailing of the right to apply for the sanctioning of illegal developments in certain areas - this prohibition must be extended to as many areas as possible."

It insisted that areas outside the development zone must be strictly monitored for any attempts at illegal building, and that no new development should be permitted or sanctioned in these areas.